Cost of Living in Oakland, CA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,410 (excluding rent), and $3,394 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,693 (excluding rent), and $7,490 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$29.68 $29.68

$19.79 $19.79

$39.58 $39.58

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$146 $146

$101 $101

$151 $151

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$14.4 $14.4

$11.92 $11.92

$14.89 $14.89

Cappuccino

$4.74 $4.74

$3.89 $3.89

$5.83 $5.83

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.53 $2.53

$1.96 $1.96

$2.94 $2.94

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.18 $2.18

$1.97 $1.97

$2.97 $2.97

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$8.11 $8.11

$7.09 $7.09

$10.13 $10.13

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.86 $7.86

$10.8 $10.8

Milk (1 liter)

$1.48 $1.48

$1.36 $1.36

$1.63 $1.63

White Bread (500g)

$4.98 $4.98

$4.32 $4.32

$5.93 $5.93

Rice (white) (1kg)

$6.14 $6.14

$3.83 $3.83

$8.54 $8.54

Eggs

$6.77 $6.77

$3.03 $3.03

$10.08 $10.08

Local Cheese (1kg)

$20.86 $20.86

$13.32 $13.32

$42.24 $42.24

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$14.65 $14.65

$8.69 $8.69

$23.88 $23.88

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$16.99 $16.99

$13.31 $13.31

$17.75 $17.75

Apples (1kg)

$7.9 $7.9

$2.23 $2.23

$11.18 $11.18

Banana (1kg)

$2.22 $2.22

$1.78 $1.78

$2.67 $2.67

Oranges (1kg)

$6.35 $6.35

$1.99 $1.99

$9.31 $9.31

Tomato (1kg)

$6.23 $6.23

$4.46 $4.46

$9.47 $9.47

Potato (1kg)

$4.6 $4.6

$2.25 $2.25

$6.75 $6.75

Onion (1kg)

$3.45 $3.45

$2.22 $2.22

$4.46 $4.46

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.19 $2.19

$1.01 $1.01

$3.04 $3.04

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$3.03 $3.03

$1.99 $1.99

$3.97 $3.97

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$11.21 $11.21

$10.19 $10.19

$13.25 $13.25

Wine (Bottle)

$12.08 $12.08

$9.05 $9.05

$22.15 $22.15

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.68 $1.68

$1.39 $1.39

$1.68 $1.68

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.05 $4.05

$3.04 $3.04

$6.08 $6.08

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$3.1 $3.1

$2.24 $2.24

$4.72 $4.72

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$85 $85

$84.6 $84.6

$180 $180

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.52 $3.52

$5.03 $5.03

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.44 $2.44

$3.8 $3.8

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$40.12 $40.12

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.29 $1.29

$1.17 $1.17

$1.47 $1.47

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$23.6K $23.6K

$23.2K $23.2K

$30.6K $30.6K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.5K $25.5K

$25.4K $25.4K

$25.6K $25.6K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$274 $274

$98.8 $98.8

$458 $458

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$53.4 $53.4

$35.27 $35.27

$121 $121

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$72.8 $72.8

$56 $56

$85.6 $85.6

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$54.4 $54.4

$25.04 $25.04

$145 $145

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$12.9 $12.9

Cinema Ticket

$14.39 $14.39

$11.91 $11.91

$17.86 $17.86

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$2,783 $2,783

$2,439 $2,439

$2,853 $2,853

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$37K $37K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$64.4 $64.4

$40.64 $40.64

$90.4 $90.4

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$61.7 $61.7

$25.14 $25.14

$70.4 $70.4

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$92.6 $92.6

$58.2 $58.2

$163 $163

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$125 $125

$40.14 $40.14

$226 $226

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,962 $1,962

$1,046 $1,046

$2,989 $2,989

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,741 $1,741

$1,014 $1,014

$2,129 $2,129

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$4,416 $4,416

$3,969 $3,969

$5,457 $5,457

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$3,536 $3,536

$2,963 $2,963

$3,951 $3,951

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$7,170 $7,170

$7,012 $7,012

$7,538 $7,538

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$7,095 $7,095

$6,419 $6,419

$8,238 $8,238

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$5,263 $5,263

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.55

6.19

6.8

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: December 1, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Oakland, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland sits between San Francisco's high prices and a more varied local market. The Cost of Living in Oakland, CA can feel manageable in groceries, transit, and casual dining, while rent in core neighborhoods and popular cafes can push costs higher. Compared with San Francisco, you may find more space for a similar budget, though prices have risen with demand. Housing near transit lines or lakefront areas tends to take a sizable share of monthly costs. Seasonal tourism can tilt prices around events, but long stays often yield flexibility to negotiate longer-term leases. Tip: Explore neighborhoods by transit access and build a flexible plan to shift housing and dining choices with the seasons.

Housing search in Oakland often rewards flexibility: you'll find older walkable neighborhoods with more affordable rents and newer buildings near transit with higher rates. For daily life, expect abundant farmers markets, diverse international eateries, and grocery stores with options for different budgets. Public transit, including BART and buses, makes commuting practical and bike routes are growing; driving can be convenient but parking costs and congestion vary by neighborhood. For a realistic perspective on Oakland, CA living cost, plan for a balanced mix of home, groceries, and occasional experiences that fit a nomad's rhythm. Tip: Track weekly menus, buy in-season produce, and choose neighborhoods with easy transit access to maximize value.

Quality of life in Oakland hinges on neighborhood fit and budgeting around seasonality. Use a simple framework: categorize essentials (housing, utilities, groceries) vs. discretionary (eating out, entertainment) and set flexible caps based on your travel or work schedule. In summer, outdoor events and farmers markets peak, which can influence spontaneous spending but offer low-cost experiences if you prioritize free concerts, parks, and sunset views around Lake Merritt. In cooler months, look for indoor coworking options or community spaces with day passes. Neighborhoods around Uptown, Temescal, or the Grand Lake area each offer a different vibe and cost envelope. Tip: Build a monthly budget around housing, groceries, and experiences, with a seasonal buffer and a plan to try new neighborhoods without overspending.